It’s our Mental Health…and we are all at risk!
In times of crisis, you dial 9-1-1, but what do you do when the crisis is caused by understaffing, overwork, and overwhelm?
The pandemic, and subsequent workforce issues have brought conversations about mental health
at work to the forefront. Today’s leaders have faced unsurmountable challenges as they have navigated the uncertain waters of the pandemic. It’s okay to not have all of the answers! Uncertainty has an impact on our mental health. Try these six tips to overcome the sense of overwhelm and maintain your own mental health:
• Acknowledge that you don’t know it all
Perhaps you’ve always had the answers; you may b e hardwired to think this way, yet, now it is okay to shift your mindset, embracing a “lifelong learning” attitude
• Move from transactional to transformational
Focus less on the task, and more on the people, inspiring them to have influence and to feel valued
• Don’t let perfect get in the way of good
Aim for progress, rather than perfect! Let loose of the fear of failure and correct your course as needed
• Resist quick fixes
Quick, unless someone needs to be resuscitated, is not always the best solution; learn to balance the need for action with an understanding of the real issues and possible outcomes
• Work as a team
It’s lonely at the top and uncertainty breeds isolation. Reach out to others within and beyond your network for insight
• Take a holistic view
Switch your vantage point by seeing a bigger picture and creating an agile environment
With uncertainty comes opportunity. Lead thyself first, and others will follow! Practice self-care! Lead by example; effective leadership starts with effective communication. Communicate early, and often – be the voice your team needs. Be a calm, confident leader in times of uncertainty, and beyond…these and more are the steps to managing a Mental Health Crisis! I remember that call from my sister on February 18, 2011, telling me that her son was “gone.” He had all of the symptoms: too depressed and anxious to perform his job, sleepless, and more; he ended his life. Mental Health is a public-health issue, and we can ease the pain and improve the outcomes. The Crisis is Real!
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